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Roy Clark Obituary
He played in the Minor Leagues from 1979-82, reaching the Triple-A(AAA) ranks. He transitioned into coaching with the Seattle Mariners minor league system in 1984 before transitioning into scouting with the Mariners in 1985. He proceeded to scout with the Cleveland Indians before he transitioned to an area scout with the Atlanta Braves.
He began with Atlanta in 1989 and rose through the scouting ranks to become the club's director of scouting in 2000, a tenure that established him as a cornerstone of their player-development pipeline. His on-field honors included being named a Ferrum College first team All-American in 1977 and later induction into the Ferrum College Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 as well as the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame in 2023, Georgia Sports H.O.F and Mid Atlantic H.O.F, formal recognitions of a life devoted to baseball. At the University of North Carolina, he helped lead his team to the 1978 College World Series and was given honors as an All-ACC second-baseman.
But what people remember most wasn't only the names on his scouting reports; teammates, coaches and executives described Roy as "the Dale Earnhardt of scouting" who was deeply loved and respected and whose work was "instrumental" to team success. Colleagues called him a "grinder" who turned over every rock to find talent. He carried that same devotion to the Washington Nationals and later to the Kansas City Royals as a senior advisor.
He is survived by his beloved wife Debbie and the apples of his eyes, his three children, Justin (38), Travis (35), and Lauren (32); younger brother Harry Wally Clark; sisters-in-law Sharon Smith, Judy Epling; brothers-in-law Sonny Alvey and Jerry Marshall; and many nieces and nephews that he dearly loved.
His Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Sept. 5th at 1pm at H.M. Patterson & Son-Canton Hill Chapel at 1157 Old Canton Road, Marietta, GA 30068.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roy Clark
Sponsored by H.M. Patterson & Son-Canton Hill Chapel.
Dickie Vigneaux
September 9, 2025
My heart was broken seeing Roy has passed, I have been trying to connect with him for many years with no success. Kathy and I are praying for you as it's terrible to think the last real contact was when we came with our oldest Amy to attend your wedding! I'd love to hear from you and catch up posthumously, Roy was like a brother to me and I grieve missing his company! God bless you all the Clark family.
Dickie and Kathy Vigneaux 156 Longwood Dr. Stella,NC 28582.
Stuart Cann
September 5, 2025
Our sincere condolences to Debbie & Family on the death of Roy. He was a great Boss, co-worker, & friend with the Braves. Sending Thoughts & Prayers-Stu & Jerri Cann
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Vic Calaman Jr.
September 5, 2025
Dear Clark Family,
Roy was a senior my sophomore year on the Martinsville Bulldog baseball team. Roy was a loyal friend who had a heart of gold. Even going back to high school, nobody outworked Roy Clark. He deserves some credit for the success of Detroit Tigers great, Lou Whitaker. They spend countless hours on the practice field perfecting the double play. It is no surprise that Roy received so many accolades. Though I had not seen Roy in 30 years, I have no doubt that he was a wonderful husband, father and family man. I recall many fond memories growing up with Roy in Martinsville. I am terribly sorry for Roy's passing. Your family is in my prayers.
Gary Price
September 5, 2025
Debbie,
I prayed for you and your family today as you celebrate the life of Roy. My thoughts and prayers continue for you as you continue through this journey. God Bless!
Tim Cox
September 5, 2025
I never met Roy, but I feel like I know him. His devoted wife Debbie has been my dental hygienist for over 25 years. Debbie and I always talk baseball and she would share stories about Roy´s scouting career, but always in a very humble way. I didn´t realize how much of an impact Roy made on the Atlanta Braves and baseball in general as one of the greatest scouts of all time. Like Roy and Debbie, my wife Marcia, and I are high school sweethearts and share a very deep lifelong connection loving relationship. Marcia and I share our deepest condolences and sympathy with Debbie, her children, and the entire Clark family. Tim & Marcia Cox
John and Kate Castleberry
September 3, 2025
We all will miss Roy. Not only as a baseball man but as loyal friend who always tried and to help people that he believed in. He influenced so many lives and touched so many people. I will miss our conversations and knowledge that he shared. RIP Roy and God Bless Debbie and the entire Clark family. We'll miss you brother.
Ronny. Belcher
August 29, 2025
I grew up playing all kinds of sports with Roy at Joseph Martin Elementary school.He was a couple of years younger, but held his own in anything we did. He was tenacious in everything he did. It was no surprise he became a world class scout who was admired by his peers. In later years we attended the same Church with Roy, Debbie and the kids. I have so many fond memories of all the family. Debbie...Kimberly and I offer our heartfelt condolences . We pray that God will truly give you that peace that you need in the coming days and weeks. May God Bless you all.
Ronny and Kim Belcher.
Don Nance
August 27, 2025
Debbie, So sorry to hear about Roy. Praying for you and your family. DM '78
Karen Kviklys
August 27, 2025
Debbie, so very sorry to hear of Roy´s passing. Rob and I are thinking and praying for you at this very sad time.
Gary Price
August 27, 2025
Offer my condolences to the family. Knew Roy and his family as we grew up around Martinsville,Va. Attended church with Debbie and kids as Roy traveled for work. A great family!
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